A person using a medical tonometer (Image source: Mockup Graphics via Unsplash; cropped)
An experimental drug called baxdrostat has been shown to significantly lower blood pressure in individuals with resistant or uncontrolled hypertension. This was demonstrated in a large international Phase III clinical trial.
An experimental, once-a-day pill called baxdrostat has been shown to significantly lower blood pressure in patients whose blood pressure remains critically high despite treatment with multiple other medications. These results came in an international Phase III trial led by Professor Bryan Williams.
This new drug — detailed in The New England Journal of Medicine — is an aldosterone synthase inhibitor. It directly blocks the production of aldosterone. High levels of aldosterone hormone is the leading cause of resistant hypertension, as it causes the body to retain excess salt and water.
The BaxHTN Phase III was a double-blind trial which enrolled about 800 patients with controlled or resistant hypertension. 12 weeks into the study, the patients who received a 2-mg daily dose of baxdrostat to their existing therapy saw their systolic blood pressure drop by an average of 15.7 mmHg. However, those who were taking a placebo saw an average drop of 5.8 mmHg. This means a statistically significant, placebo-corrected reduction of 9.8 mmHg
Achieving a nearly 10 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure… is exciting, as this level of reduction is linked to substantially lower risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney disease. — Professor Williams.
The researchers found the drug to be safe, though about 3% of patients who took the drug experienced higher-than-normal potassium levels, compared to just 0.4% in the placebo group. This shows the drug has high potential to become a go-to drug for people with hypertension.
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Chibuike Okpara – Tech Writer – 165 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024
I have always been fascinated by technology and digital devices my entire life and even got addicted to it. I have always marveled at the intricacy of even the simplest digital devices and systems around us. I have been writing and publishing articles online for about 6 years now, just about a year ago, I found myself lost in the marvel of smartphones and laptops we have in our hands every day. I developed a passion for learning about new devices and technologies that come with them and at some point, I asked myself, “Why not get into writing tech articles?” It is useless to say I followed up the idea — it is evident. I am an open-minded individual who derives an infinite amount of joy from researching and discovering new information, I believe there is so much to learn and such a short life to live, so I put my time to good use — learning new things. I am a ‘bookworm’ of the internet and digital devices. When I am not writing, you will find me on my devices still, I do explore and admire the beauty of nature and creatures. I am a fast learner and quickly adapt to changes, always looking forward to new adventures.